The Potential For Sustainable Supplies

Question 1

What are the two key issues in promoting sustainability?

Answer 1

1. Biophysical- long term effects of various practices on the soil and other aspects of the environment
2. • long term ability farmers to obtain inputs and manage resources such as labour

Question 2

How can nitrogen for soil be obtained sustainably?

Answer 2

1. Recycling crop waste
2. Using animal waste or human manure
3. Growing legume crops and forages such as peanuts and alfalfa which have nitrogen fixing bacteria in their roots

Question 3

Why is policy failure unsustainable? (Food)

Answer 3

Inadequate/ inappropriate policies which may have encouraged excessive inputs of fertilisers and pesticides and over exploitation of the land. Policies may also favour farming systems theatre inappropriate for both the farming community and land

Question 4

Why is rural inequality unsustainable?(food)

Answer 4

Rural people know best how to take care of their land but may be forced to overexploit it to survive. Commercial exploitation by land owners and TNCs often cause environmental degradation in search of higher profits.

Question 5

Why is the resource imbalance unsustainable? (Food)

Answer 5

Nearly all future population growth will be in developing countries so the biggest increases will be in poorer countries.

Question 6

Why are unsuitable technologies unsustainable? (Food)

Answer 6

New technologies have boosted agricultural production globally but have had damaging side effects which have to be contained or if possible reversed. E.g. Resistance of insects to pesticides, land degradation through wind and water erosion, nutrient depletion or poor irrigation.

Question 7

Why are some Trade relations unsustainable?

Answer 7

The value of raw materials exported by LEDCs have fallen, their governments have therefore so gut to boost incomes by increasing crop production and timber sales, damaging the environment.

Question 8

What are the four strategies suggested by the FAO to achieve food sustainability?

Answer 8

1. Intensification through specialisation- cautious use of pesticides and pesticides combined with better agricultural processes
2. Intensification through diversification- minimising socio economic and environmental risks, assisting waste recycling and reducing the need for external inputs
3. Combining on and off farm activities- promoting sources of income to limit pressure on the environment
4. Extensive systems- applicable to low population density areas where there is only light pressure on natural resources.